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Afrika, van binne ervaar.

Expedition leader • Photographer • Storyteller Trusted by National Geographic Expeditions, Bushtracks Expeditions and private travellers for over three decades

Sommige lewens is beplan. Myne was nog altyd 'n ekspedisie.

Expedition leader. Story-seeker. Photographer of the quiet and the wild.

You won’t find glossy perfection here. You will find stories shaped by dust, silence, colour, chaos, heartbreak and wonder—shared through photographs and words gathered over a lifetime in motion.

This space isn’t about travel tips. It’s about what travel does to you.

For more than three decades, my life has unfolded in the field—leading expeditions across Africa, photographing extraordinary places, working in remote lodges and airstrips, and learning that calm judgement is often the most valuable skill a traveller can possess.

To travel is not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Africa has taught me patience, humility and perspective. The greatest journeys are rarely measured by distance travelled, but by the moments that quietly change us.

This is my digital campfire — stories shaped by dust, silence, colour, chaos, heartbreak and wonder.

Over the years, my work has taken many forms: expedition leadership, hospitality, aviation operations, guest care, crisis coordination, accessible travel and photography. Each has shaped the way I lead, the way I observe, and the way I connect with people. Sometimes colour is the story. This collection sets documentation aside and simply celebrates it — the saturated, joyful, unruly palette of a life spent in motion.

Sometimes colour is the story. This collection sets documentation aside and simply celebrates it — the saturated, joyful, unruly palette of a life spent in motion.

Extraordinary photographs are rarely planned. They are found in ordinary moments — a glance, a gesture, a conversation, a shaft of light.

Whether you’re looking for an experienced expedition leader, an accessible travel companion, or simply wish to experience Africa through my photographs and writing, I hope you’ll find something here that inspires you.

If something here resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you.
Email: gunningvivienne@gmail.com

Follow my journey
Instagram: 
@viviegunning:       https://www.instagram.com/viviegunning/
Facebook: 
Vivienne Gunning:   https://www.facebook.com/vivienne.gunning.96/
LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-gunning-587a98b
Substack

https://viviennegunning.substack.com 

Meer as drie dekades lei reise deur Afrika.

Reading people as carefully as landscapes.
Over 30 departures for National Geographic Expeditions across a 17-year partnership, and 25 years with Bushtracks Expeditions — from VIP Boeing 737 circumnavigations of the Sahara to a 50-bed tented camp built in the Niger desert.Expedition leadership is far more than guiding a journey from one destination to the next. It is about reading people as carefully as landscapes, adapting to the unexpected, making calm decisions under pressure, and creating experiences that remain with travellers long after they return home.
Expedition leadership
Wildlife, photographic and cultural expeditions across Africa — small-group, private and flagship departures. Specialising in wildlife, photography and cultural expeditions, combining deep regional knowledge with genuine storytelling and a passion for Africa.
Accessible & assisted travel
Personal accompaniment and realistic itineraries for travellers who need more time, assistance or reassurance.
Remote logistics & aviation
Flying safaris, multi-stop air charters, crisis coordination and field operations in Africa's most demanding environments.
From remote wilderness areas to vibrant cultures, my work has always been about creating meaningful, authentic travel experiences.

My background extends beyond expedition leadership to aviation, hospitality, emergency response and remote logistics, giving me the calm, adaptability and practical skills required to lead confidently in challenging environments.

Every journey is designed to move beyond sightseeing, allowing travellers to experience places with curiosity, respect and connection.
Whether leading a National Geographic departure or a privately guided expedition, my goal remains the same: to create journeys that are memorable, enriching and deeply personal.

Where I Can Add Value
     ●     Expedition Leadership throughout Africa
     ●     National Geographic-style journeys
     ●     Wildlife and photographic expeditions
     ●     Small group and private departures
     ●     Accessible and assisted travel companioning
     ●     Remote logistics and expedition planning
     ●     Hospitality and guest experience
     ●     Cross-cultural interpretation
     ●     Storytelling
     ●     Crisis management and operational support

My Philosophy
The finest expeditions are not measured by the number of animals seen or kilometres travelled. They are measured by the moments that cannot be planned: a quiet sunrise in the Delta, conversations around a campfire, the laughter of local children, or the silence shared while watching elephants disappear into the evening light.
Those are the experiences I strive to create—journeys that are authentic, enriching and remembered for a lifetime.

Looking for an experienced expedition leader, private guide or expedition consultant?
I’d love to hear from you.

Follow my current work:
Instagram: 
@viviegunning:       https://www.instagram.com/viviegunning/
Facebook: 
Vivienne Gunning:   https://www.facebook.com/vivienne.gunning.96/

Travel with me on personally led, small-group journeys created for curious travellers seeking a deeper, more authentic experience of Africa. Alongside my own expeditions, I am proud to be featured as a National Geographic Signature Expert with G Adventures. View my official National Geographic Signature Expert profile - https://www.gadventures.com/travel-styles/national-geographic-expeditions/signature/experts/vivienne-gunning/

Senior Ekspedisieleierskap (Afrika)

Senior Ekspedisieleierskap (Afrika)

Met meer as 30 jaar ondervinding in 33 Afrikalande, bring ek ongeëwenaarde diepte van kennis, kulturele begrip en kundigheid op die grond na elke reis.

Accessible & Assisted Travel Companion

Accessible & Assisted Travel Companion

Privaat, realistiese reisplanne — en opsionele persoonlike begeleiding — vir reisigers wat meer tyd, hulp of gerusstelling benodig. Reis teen jou eie pas, met kalm ondersteuning en grondervaring. Stuur vir my 'n boodskap op WhatsApp om te begin.

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Op maat gemaakte Afrika-reise | Vivienne Gunning

Op maat gemaakte Afrika-reise | Vivienne Gunning

Elke reis moet 'n storie vertel – joune. Of jy nou stilte of opwinding, eensaamheid of viering soek, ek ontwerp reise wat jou ritme weerspieël – handgemaak, deeglik en diep persoonlik. Elke reisplan meng ontdekking met detail, kuns met logistiek en egtheid met gemak – want reis moet voel asof dit vir jou gemaak is.

Photography, Talks & Storytelling

Photography, Talks & Storytelling

Saam met ekspedisie- en reiswerk bied ek reis- en natuurlewefotografie, praatjies en veldgebaseerde storievertelling aan, gevorm deur dekades se geleefde ervaring regoor Afrika en verder. Geselekteerde foto's is beskikbaar as museumgehalte-kunsafdrukke deur Vanta Studio, Kaapstad - gedruk, geraam en wêreldwyd verskeep. https://vantastudio.co.za/collections/vivienne-gunning My praatjies is motiverend en ervaringsgedrewe, met 'n besondere fokus op die aanmoediging van vroue om hul eie krag, selfvertroue en onafhanklikheid deur reis en lewensverkenning te ontdek. Deur te put uit werklike reise, uitdagings, heruitvinding en veerkragtigheid, praat ek eerlik oor vrees, moed, selfvertroue en die stil krag om verder te tree as wat bekend voel. Hierdie sessies is nie teoreties of geskrewe nie. Hulle is gegrond op werklike situasies - die navigasie van onbekende kulture, afgeleë omgewings, persoonlike oorgange en die oomblikke wat selfvertroue toets. Praatjies en aanbiedings is geskik vir: • Vrouegroepe en -klubs • Reis- en kulturele forums • Korporatiewe of organisatoriese geleenthede • Opvoedkundige instellings en werkswinkels Fotografie- en storievertellingselemente kan in aanbiedings verweef word, wat 'n visuele en emosionele narratief skep wat ervaring met insig verbind.

Koop kunsafdrukke

WAT KLIËNTE SÊ VERTROUE GEBOU OOR 'N LEWENSTYD IN BEWEGING

 Vivienne has been Godsend to me. She has helped me accomplish things that I never could have done without her and her expert help. She worked a miracle when it came to me going to Egypt to see the pyramids. That was the last thing on my bucket list and at 86 years old, I thought it was impossible. Not so. Vivi made it possible and in the most wonderful way. She organized and planned every single detail to perfection. Her company and cherry uplifting spirit made it a trip of a lifetime. I have been around the world and in all seven continents and traveled with many people, but if I had my choice to do it over again, Vivi is the one I’d want to do it with. She never lets anything stop her. If something went wrong, I never knew about it. She handled it with grace and knowledge. I’ve taken three trips with her and there was never one minute I felt worried or concerned. Just knowing her has enriched my life. 

Esther Murray: Bbakamemaw@aol.com
Accessible Egypt & Africa itineraries (Age 86)
     

 Vivienne is a specialist in her field with decades of experience in aviation ranging from finding the best-suited aircraft for “flying safaris”, leading expeditions and managing logistics. Tending to every detail of the tour group’s needs in an artistic manner comes naturally, whilst topping it by sharing her positive energy to round off every expedition and every adventure as a “once in a lifetime experience”! Bravo Vivienne, you lead by example! 

Suzette Nieuwoudt
Voormalige tussentydse uitvoerende direkteur, SAOG-lugvaartveiligheidstoesigorganisasie / projekkoördineerder ICAO COSCAP-SAOG

 January 30, 2026 Vivienne Gunning Cape Town, South Africa gunningvivienne@gmail.com Dear Sir or Madam, It is a pleasure to recommend Vivienne Gunning, whose outstanding performance and long-standing contribution to Bushtracks Expeditions have consistently exceeded expectations and earned the trust of our most discerning travelers. Over a period of 25 years, Vivienne has demonstrated exceptional versatility, developing management capabilities across a wide range of complex operational, aviation, expedition, and project-based roles within our organization. She initially supported Bushtracks with highly complex ACMI, long-haul, multi-stop airliner charters across Africa, including routes from Johannesburg to Addis Ababa, Cape Town to Casablanca, and a circumnavigation of North Africa and the Sahara aboard a private VIP Boeing 737. Her responsibilities included end-to-end flight planning, securing overflight and landing permits, contracting airport ground handlers, coordinating onboard catering and cabin crew, managing fueling logistics, and maintaining high passenger service standards throughout. Building on her success in aviation charter management, Vivienne progressed to become our most experienced Expedition Leader, completing more journeys, serving more guests, and operating across more destinations than any other leader in our organization. In parallel, she developed strong project management expertise, most notably leading the establishment of a 50-bed Moroccan Caidal tented camp in the Sahara Desert in Niger. This included designing, setting up, and managing a highly successful remote field kitchen capable of delivering high-quality meals to private jet guests in an extremely challenging environment. Vivienne later managed another demanding remote assignment: our contract with Doli (Elephant) Lodge in the Central African Republic. This project required her to plan and source fittings and soft furnishings in South Africa and the CAR, oversee transport into a remote rainforest location, creatively refurbish the lodge and its landscaping within a strict budget, train and uniform staff, and train the chef and kitchen team while implementing a structured weekly menu system. In subsequent years, Vivienne led numerous Southern Africa Private Air Safaris for National Geographic Expeditions, contributing significantly to a highly successful 17-year partnership that concluded in 2024. Most recently, she personally escorted a mature Bushtracks guest with restricted mobility through Egypt, demonstrating exceptional care, sensitivity, and attention to detail—qualities that continue to distinguish Vivienne in the delivery of bespoke, high-touch travel experiences. In summary, I recommend Vivienne Gunning without reservation for a suitable role within the tourism, expedition, or luxury travel industry. She is a deeply committed professional who combines operational rigor with empathy, leadership, and consistent accountability. Sincerely, David Tett Founder & CEO Bushtracks Expeditions 

David Tett
Stigter en uitvoerende hoof, Bushtracks Expeditions
     
Vivienne Gunning FOTOGRAAF
Vivienne Gunning is a South African fine art and documentary photographer whose work is driven by a lifelong fascination with light and its ability to transform an ordinary moment into something timeless.

For her, photography is a way of preserving fleeting encounters—capturing the interplay of light, atmosphere, and emotion so that a moment can endure long after it has passed.She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the University of Pretoria and a Professional Digital Photography certification from the University of Cape Town, completed in 2025.

Known particularly for her black-and-white photography, Gunning creates images rich in texture, contrast, and narrative. Her photographs reflect a patient observational style developed through years of living and working within the environments she documents rather than simply passing through them.Based in Cape Town, she has spent much of her professional life leading expeditions across 34 African countries, travelling far beyond conventional tourist routes.

This extensive experience has shaped her photography, which is a natural extension of a life spent exploring diverse landscapes, cultures, and communities.Working across Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Mediterranean, her images range from intimate portraits and street scenes to wildlife encounters and evocative landscapes. Whether photographing a Maasai elder in East Africa, a fisherman along the Swahili Coast, an elephant emerging from the dust of the Kalahari, or a quiet moment in a Sicilian village, her work seeks authenticity, atmosphere, and emotional depth.

Through these subjects, she explores the connections between people, place, culture, wildlife, and the environments they inhabit.Her growing archive represents a lifetime of exploration and storytelling, capturing both the grandeur and the intimacy of the natural and human worlds.

Through fine art prints, she aims to share not only what she has seen, but what she has felt while travelling through these remarkable places.

Vivienne Gunning lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

Vivienne Gunning — Photographer
viviennegunning.comInstagram: @viviegunning

SHARE THE THRILLS! Tales of travel, light, and humanity — shared from a lifetime on the road.

Op die eiland Lamu, waar nou straatjies fluisteringe vinniger as voetstappe dra, is daar 'n storie wat hulle stilweg vertel. 'n Meisie. 'n Troue wat nooit plaasgevind het nie. En voetspore in die sand by Shela-strand wat net een kant toe gaan.

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'n Intieme foto-essay van Sir Lowry's Pass Village in die Wes-Kaap, wat gemeenskapslewe, straatkuns en kinderspeletjies net buite Kaapstad verken.

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In 'n oorvol wêreld waar persoonlike ruimte luuksheid word en stede pols met chaos, besin Vivie oor oorbevolking, vervaagde landelike ritmes, ongelykheid langs Kaapstad se N2, en wat ware eenvoud – ruimte, stilte, grond – werklik vandag beteken. 'n Sagte pouse van reis na stilte.

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Ontdek hoekom toeganklike reise in Afrika verder gaan as net kontrolelyste – dit gaan oor werklike menslike kapasiteit, waardigheid en aanpassing op die grond vir ouer reisigers en onsigbare behoeftes. Veldgebaseerde insigte uit Kaapstad.

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Kenia deur my oë — plekke waarna ek teruggekeer het, oomblikke wat bly voortduur, en hoekom hierdie land my steeds terugtrek.

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Toeganklike reise in Afrika gaan nie oor kontrolelyste of opritte nie – dit gaan oor teenwoordigheid, tempo en werklike menslike oordeel. Van verborge behoeftes soos moegheid en angs tot afgeleë bosrealiteite, ontdek waarom 'n kalm metgesel dikwels die grootste verskil maak. 'n Sagte besinning oor waardigheid, aanpasbaarheid en om Afrika se wilde uithoeke werklik bereikbaar te maak.

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Die Piramides van Giza – vergeet die uitheemse teorieë. Hierdie is 'n storie oor menslike briljantheid, moeite en geloof.

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Ek deel wat ek geleer het toe ek in Kaïro aangekom het – nie as 'n eerstekeerbesoeker nie, maar as 'n reisiger wat weet om waar te neem voordat hy vertrek.

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Ek is geëerd om op die voorblad van Glow Talks Magazine (November 2025-uitgawe) te verskyn. Hierdie artikel volg my reis van Kaapstad tot Kaïro – deur fotografie, mense en plekke wat hul merk laat lank nadat monumente vervaag. Die storie gaan oor moed, nuuskierigheid en om vorentoe te beweeg met 'n kamera in die hand.

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'n Seunkoning, nie 'n legende in goud nie. Reisskrywer Vivie ontleed Toetankamen se ware verhaal – inteling, pyn, politiek en mag – van GEM tot die Vallei van die Konings.

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Om lig te reis is meer as net 'n paklys – dis 'n denkwyse. Iewers tussen Afrika, Indië en Europa het ek lywige tasse verruil vir een 42L-rugsak wat alles dra wat ek vir twee maande op die pad nodig het. In hierdie blog deel ek presies wat ek pak, hoe ek gemaklik en presentabel bly, en hoekom "minder" stilweg "meer as genoeg" geword het.

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SUBSTACK ARTIKELS
I write first-person travel and nature stories on Substack — dispatches from the field, shaped by three decades of expeditions across Africa.

I am currently exploring the secrets of Botswana’s Okavango Delta: the mokoro, the water, the people, and the quiet moments that no itinerary can promise. New stories are published regularly, and subscribing is free.

Read and subscribe here: https://viviennegunning.substack.com